Friends coping with tragedy

President Dwight Eisenhower once said, “There is no tragedy in life like the death of a child. Things can never get back to the way they were.”

Jennifer O’Dell of Andrews has joined the special sorority of those who can attest to the truth of that statement. Her youngest daughter, Kelsey, died before her first birthday from the genetic disorder spinal muscular atrophy.

O’Dell was told about the monthly meetings of Compassionate Friends, a self-help group that gives surviving parents and siblings an opportunity to come together for friendship and healing. She at first choose not to attend monthly meetings since she was not comfortable talking about her loss to a large group and was angry with everyone, including God.